GKR TRUCK DRIVERS TAKE ONE-WEEK STRIKE ACTION AS COMPANY FAILS TO ACT ON FAIR CLAIMS

Long-distance truck drivers employed by GKR Transport Australia-wide, will park up their rigs for one week, beginning midnight Monday 24 November through to Sunday 30 November, after the company refused to come to the table on key claims that would help retain experienced drivers and keep the industry strong.

The decisive move follows a resounding 91% vote in favour of taking protected industrial action.

GKR drivers deliver essential machinery parts across the country, servicing the automotive, industrial, heavy haulage, oil and gas, mining, and manufacturing sectors. With Christmas fast approaching, a week of stoppages is expected to cause significant delays, particularly in industries already operating at full capacity.

“These truck drivers are crossing borders every day to keep Australia’s supply chains moving,” said TWU WA State Secretary Tim Dawson. “GKR clearly doesn’t value the essential work these truck drivers do. Instead of negotiating fairly, the company is choosing to dig in its heels.”

Drivers say the strike could be avoided immediately if GKR agreed to a modest and reasonable package of claims, including:

• An additional 3% wage rise across the three-year agreement;

• Annual leave paid on the average of the previous six weeks’ earnings plus loading, reflecting the reality of long-distance work;

• A retention bonus written into the EA to keep skilled drivers in the industry;

• Strong union delegate rights embedded in the agreement.

Many GKR drivers work 2UP, meaning trucks run almost continuously. With operations stretched across states and territories, even a short stoppage has major consequences.

“This close to Christmas, GKR’s refusal to negotiate doesn’t just impact drivers — it risks slowing down industry nationwide,” Mr. Dawson said. “This company is choosing to inconvenience the public rather than resolve claims its own workforce feel deeply passionate about.”

The TWU is calling on GKR to return to negotiations immediately to prevent further disruption.